Neglected healthcare: Patients suffer due to absence of gynaecologists, other facilities

Locals demand repair of hospital’s demolished wall, ambulance.

SWAT:

Patients are suffering due to absence of gynaecologists and other essential facilities at the Manglawar Hospital, the only government-run health facility in the area.

For the past three years, thousands of women suffering from gynaecological disorders either have to go the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals or private clinics. In the absence of qualified doctors, inexperienced nurses perform the duties of a gynaecologist. Whereas patients with more complicated gynaecological problems are sent away.

“My wife has some hormonal issues but the hospital staff referred me to the Saidu Group of Hospitals, where I’m sure I’ll have to wait my turn for at least two days,” Allam Zeb, a resident of Banjot village told The Express Tribune.

“Plenty of gynaecologists have set up private clinics but they charge exorbitant fees,” said Anwer Anjum, a local journalist, adding that most people cannot even afford medicines or transportation. The hospital is in our proximity, and the staff work with dedication, but it is short of basic facilities, he said.

Furthermore, the hospital’s boundary wall which fell some time back has not been rebuilt, making the area a permanent abode for wild animals. The hospital’s only ambulance van has been out of order for a long time now. The locals said that the Punjab government has approved 200 beds for the hospital, but the project is yet to be implemented.

“There are many other things lacking in the hospital but we need a gynaecologist on emergency basis,” said Shah Zarin, a social activist. He said the hospital had one gynaecologist but since she was transferred three years back no has replaced her.

Executive District Officer Health Dr Bakht Jamal said that there is no post for gynaecologist sanctioned in the hospital. “The doctors don’t prefer to go to village hospitals as they cannot earn enough. They only work in urban centres where they can generate a hefty income at their private clinics,” he said.

Locals have demanded the government to post a gynaecologist and make necessary repairs to the hospital.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2012.